<p>I took an art class as a Sophomore. I liked the teacher, and often talked to her after class. Now, junior year, I'm not taking an art class. I might take an art class next year with the same teacher. Can I use that teacher as a recommendation?</p>
<p>Be wise. What are you trying to showcase about yourself to your rec readers? Are you portraying yourself as an art major? If not, did the sophomore art class really allow you to shine in ways that would make your readers say: "This kid really is academically driven and seems to really love learning. This kid really made an impression on this teacher."</p>
<p>If that can't be gotten from a Sophomore year art teacher, than I'd say go with an instructor in one of your more difficult, "core" classes.</p>
<p>The answer is Yes you can use that teacher but my question is: "Should you?"</p>
<p>Two things:</p>
<p>First, unless you're applying to art schools, you should be prepared with a recommendation from one of the five core subjects. Some schools specifically request a recommendation from these areas, and even if they don't, they may see an art teacher rec and assume that you're weak in other areas.</p>
<p>Second, you should have a rec from a teacher who has a current relationship with you. If you take another course with this teacher senior year, you've got no problem. Otherwise, you may want to consider whether this teacher will be able to give information about your current habits and character. A letter that says "I've been in touch with Student since sophomore year and I've seen zir grow as a person" is great; a letter that says "This person was a great student two years ago" isn't as helpful.</p>
<p>This doesn't mean that this rec is a bad idea. If you have a great relationship with your art teacher and know ze would write a glowing recommendation, go for it. But you should supplement it with a rec from another teacher who can testify to your current ability in more traditional academic courses.</p>
<p>do schools (regular) require two recs from the core subjects or just one rec from core subject and the other you can choose whatever subject?</p>
<p>It depends on the school. Most of the ones I applied to required two core teachers. For all of my schools I sent two core teacher recs and a supplemental rec from my newspaper advisor.</p>